Australia have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, starting October 19, with regular captain Pat Cummins missing out due to a lumbar bone stress injury. In his absence, Mitchell Marsh will lead the team, marking another opportunity for him to solidify his leadership credentials ahead of a busy international schedule.
Matthew Renshaw Returns To Australia Squad
The biggest talking point from the announcement, however, is the return of Matthew Renshaw, who has been recalled to the ODI squad after more than three years. The 29-year-old Queensland batter, known for his technical prowess and adaptability across formats, last featured in Australia’s ODI setup during their 2022 tour of Pakistan but is yet to make his debut in the format.
Renshaw’s selection comes on the back of consistent performances in domestic cricket. The left-hander scored 350 runs at an average of 50 in the last season for Queensland and impressed recently against Sri Lanka A, notching scores of 80, 106, and 62. With Australia set to face an Indian side led by Shubman Gill, who recently replaced Rohit Sharma as ODI captain, Renshaw could finally get his first 50-over cap.
Marsh Takes Charge As Cummins Sits Out
With Cummins sidelined, Australia’s pace responsibilities will fall to Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, supported by Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis. The bowling lineup retains its potency despite the skipper’s absence, with Adam Zampa leading the spin department.
Alex Carey, meanwhile, will miss the first ODI in Perth to represent South Australia in the Sheffield Shield and will also skip the T20Is to focus on red-ball cricket ahead of the Ashes. Josh Inglis returns from a calf injury and is expected to take wicketkeeping duties for the ODI series opener.
George Bailey Explains the Strategy
Chair of Selectors George Bailey explained that the selection approach is designed to strike a balance between World Cup preparations and Ashes readiness.
“We have named a squad for the ODI series and first two games of the T20 series as there will be some management through the back end of the series as individuals prepare for the summer through Sheffield Shield cricket,” Bailey said.
“The majority of the T20 squad will remain together as it’s an important period in the build towards the World Cup next year, however, we are trying to ensure certain individuals get adequate red-ball preparation for the Test series ahead.”
Packed Schedule Awaits Australia
The ODI series will kick off in Perth on October 19, followed by matches in Adelaide (October 23) and Sydney (October 25). The tour will then transition into a five-match T20I series starting October 29 in Canberra and concluding November 8 in Brisbane.
Australia T20 Squad (first two games): Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
